Khan Gets a Technical Decision over Barrera

Posted by Ramon Aranda on 03.14.2009

Maccarinelli and Cook shocked by TKOs.

In Manchester, England, Amir Khan (20-1, 15 KOs) gained a technical decision over ring legend Marco Antonio Barrera after an accidental butt which occured in the 1st round got worse in the 5th. Scores were 50-44, 50-45 and 50-45 for Amir Khan. Even so, Khan appeared too quick and busy for Barrera who had issues getting set.

On the undercard, both Enzo Maccarinelli (29-3, 22 KOs) and Nicky Cook were stopped in front of a shocked Manchester crowd. Maccarinelli was well ahead on the scorecards against Ola Afolabi (14-1-3, 6 KOs) when a huge overhand right caught Maccarinelli on the chin sending him crashing to the canvas midway through the 9th round. Maccarinelli got to his feet but he was clearly out of it and the fight was waved off.

Nicky Cook (29-2, 16 KOs) was also a TKO victim as he lost his WBO super featherweight title against undefeated Roman "Rocky" Martinez (22-0-1, 13 KOs). In a competitive fight, Martinez rocked Cook with two explosive uppercuts that send him down. Moments later, a left hook from Martinez dropped Cook again and referee Dave Parris stopped the contest at 2:20, after Cook appeared to be having trouble maintaining his balance.